Wait ’til you see how the pets of the super rich live. Anyone with an animal companion they truly adore will tell you they tend to pamper their pet. Maybe you only use a certain kind of kitty litter, ’cause that’s what Fluffy likes best. Or, maybe you prepare all of your dog’s meals because Fido has to have the best. If you consider yourself in this anything-for-my-pet category, than you have to see to believe.

Summer is the time of year when you hear so many people going on diets to get “swimsuit ready.” But making sure our diet plans include a healthy balance of foods is not always the easiest equation to achieve.

When it comes to our animal companions, keeping them trim and healthy is also a challenge with so many pet foods on the market promising everything under the sun.

Feline Magazine is promoting a way to help your favorite cat stay in the swim of things with recipes for even the most finicky eaters. They will actually serve up ideas on a platter for you. Check it out here:

Your pet may have the next big idea when it comes to finding a new home! Everyone knows that the housing market has taken a huge hit. There are signs that some cities are making a comeback after the market fell out in 2008. Whether you are trying to sell a house or buy one – or even thinking about that kind of decision – here’s something to ponder. There are new strides being made in creative housing for critters. If you don’t believe me, take a look. Now, don’t you feel a little more optimistic about your chances when it comes to finding the right dwelling for you and your family? And if you are a pet parent, perhaps some of these ideas will inspire you to do something a little special for the favorite animal companion in your life. After all, shouldn’t their home be their castle? Or, teepee? Life Lesson: Pets Teach Us! – To Stretch Our Imaginations

I saw this photo and caption and it just cracked me up. How many times has a young man squirmed while meeting his girlfriend’s father for the first time? Likewise how many daughters have felt totally embarrassed by their dad giving their date the third degree interrogation?

But, the fact is, protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the unknown is a primal instinct. And, the one thing it teaches you early on is, “Be Discriminating.” If you ever need a second opinion about someone whose character is in question, just look to the way your animal companion responds to that person. They’ll let you know who’s on the up-and-up and who’s not!

We often see police officers dealing with traffic accidents, speeding, chasing out-of-control motorists, and so on. Whether on the small or big screen, we recoil when shown the harrowing situations officers deal with in the line of duty.

This story reminds us that many in uniform do remarkable things that make such a difference. In this case one man took a dive to save someone’s family member. Officers are called upon to risk their lives all the time, but we are not always aware of their heroics. In this case, we gratefully salute just such an officer and say, thank you Officer David Harriman, for all of us who treasure our animal companions. Read the story here

How many men say they thinks cats are not half as cool as dogs? Well, that’s just another trend that’s starting to change. Animals have a wonderful way of breaking through stereotypes. They teach us tolerance of others, kindness toward lost and innocent, and compassion for creatures great and small. It’s not important to be the toughest guy around. It’s the love we show that inspires others. Wish we humans could do the same!

Anyone who has a cat in their life will admit this fact if they are really pressed: the cat owns you. Never say, “I own a cat.” We actually don’t ‘own’ any animal companion. But this is certainly true of cats. I have had the pleasure to share my life with many felines and all of them taught me valuable life lessons. That’s why I got such a kick out of this article from Vetstreet.

It’s such a temptation at times. You see a dog or puppy that catches your eye, and you just want to reach out and pet them. Well, here’s an article that may have you thinking twice before you go with your natural instinct. What may seem like a good idea at the time, might turn out to be a really, big , mistake.

It’s official. All over the country people are hearing the big news in horse racing. Racing stewards at Belmont Park in New York say it’s OK for California Chrome to wear the nasal strips he’s worn in his past six victories, which now include the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

There had been a previous ban on the practice of thoroughbreds wearing the harmless strips at the Belmont track. Chrome’s owners said unless their colt could wear the breathing strips they wouldn’t enter him in the final leg of the triple crown. After speaking with track veterinarians (who said, “what’s the fuss?”), and contemplating the huge, potential lack of revenue if the sports only true draw were to withdraw, word came down, “Sure, why not?”

There are a lot of reasons why Triple Crown hopeful, California Chrome connects with people. True, he is a gifted athlete, winning the Kentucky Derby and now, the Preakness. But we care about him because the people in his life love him and they show it! They cry on camera when he wins, and they demonstrate their affection with hugs and kisses. This is not just a machine that will win them money. In fact, Chrome’s owners turned down millions BEFORE he won the Kentucky Derby. There is an authentic human/animal connection here that draws us in, and makes us want to support this heart-felt effort.